Illinois Historic Sites

Cahokia Mounds

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Historical Significance

The building of the Cahokia Mounds began around 1050 CE, at the beginning of the Mississippian cultural period. The first inhabitants left almost no written records, with the exception of symbols on pottery, shell, copper, wood, and stone. The original name of the city is unknown.

Cultural Significance

This site, known as Cahokia Mounds, is an ancient Native American city (650-1400 CE) near Collinsville, Illinois in the American Bottom floodplain, across the Mississippi River from St. Louis, Missouri.